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obtained has enabled us to use, for the purpose of barter, a large quantity received from the Virginia works.
The mine in Louisiana, and the works in Georgia, have been lost by the movements of the enemy.
The contract made with Messrs. Stuart, Buchanan & Co. was for 45,000 bushels per month in excess of the estimated demand for the army.
This was made in view of the foreseen deficiency of money to obtain meat, by supplying salt for barter.
After the contract was made and approved by the Honorable Secretary of War, he, in spite of my remonstrances, and, in my judgment contrary to the interests of the Government, annulled it. Believing this to be unjust and prejudicial to the interest of the Government, I refused to take any action in the matter, and he then assumed the making of a contract with the State of Virginia, which I had considered and declined to make.
Respectfully,
(Signed)
L. B. Northrup, Commissary-General C. S. A.
